Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 1
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04 –
General Safety Requirements) 2005
I, JAMES ERIC LLOYD, Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads,
determine this vehicle standard under subsection 7 (1) of the Motor Vehicle Standards
Act 1989.
Dated 29th November 2005
[SIGNED]
James Eric Lloyd
Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 2
CONTENTS
1. LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS .......................................................................... 3
1.1 NAME OF STANDARD ................................................................................... 3
1.2 COMMENCEMENT.......................................................................................... 3
1.3 REPEAL ............................................................................................................. 3
2. SCOPE................................................................................................................ 3
3. APPLICABILITY AND IMPLIMENTATION ................................................. 3
4. DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................... 5
5. BONNET LATCHING ...................................................................................... 5
6. DIESEL ENGINES ............................................................................................ 5
7. CONTROLS ....................................................................................................... 5
8. REAR BUMPER FOR SEMI-TRAILERS ........................................................ 5
9. ELECTRICAL WIRING, CONNECTIONS & INSTALLATIONS ................. 6
10. EXHAUST OUTLETS....................................................................................... 7
11. EXTERNAL OR INTERNAL PROTRUSIONS ............................................... 9
12. FIELD OF VIEW ............................................................................................... 9
13. LAVATORY CLOSETS, URINALS, BASINS AND SINKS .......................... 9
14. WHEEL GUARDS (MUDGUARDS) ............................................................. 10
15. BRAKE TUBING AND BRAKE HOSE ........................................................ 12
16. REVERSE GEAR ............................................................................................ 12
17. SLEEPER BERTHS (NB & NC VEHICLES ONLY) .................................... 13
18. TELEVISION AND VISUAL DISPLAY UNITS ........................................... 13
19. WINDOWS AND VENTILATION ................................................................. 14
20. WARNING DEVICES - AUDIBLE ................................................................ 16
21. STABILITY REQUIREMENT (LEM, LEP & LEG VEHICLES ONLY) ..... 16
22. RETRACTABLE AXLE .................................................................................. 18
23. DEMISTING OF WINDSCREENS ................................................................ 19
24. WINDSCREEN WIPERS AND WASHERS .................................................. 19
25. TYRE AND RIM SELECTION ...................................................................... 19
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 3
1. LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
1.1 NAME OF STANDARD
1.1.1 This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04 –
General Safety Requirements) 2005.
1.1.2 This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 42/04 —
General Safety Requirements.
1.2 COMMENCEMENT
1.2.1 This Standard commences on the day after it is registered.
1.3 REPEAL
1.3.1 This Standard repeals each vehicle standard with the name Australian
Design Rule 42/04 — General Safety Requirements that is:
(a) made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicles Standard Act 1989;
and
(b) in force at the commencement of this Standard.
1.3.2 This Standard also repeals each instrument made under section 7 of the
Motor Vehicles Standard Act 1989 that creates a vehicle standard with
the name Australian Design Rule 42/04 — General Safety Requirements,
if there are no other vehicle standards created by that instrument, or
amendments to vehicle standards made by that instrument, that are still
in force at the commencement of this Standard.
2. SCOPE
2.1. The function of this vehicle standard is to specify design and construction
requirements to ensure safe operation of vehicles
3. APPLICABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION
3.1. This national standard applies to the design and construction of vehicles
as set out in the table below.
3.2. Where the requirements of a particular part or clause do not apply to all
vehicles, the relevant categories will be identified in the part or clause
heading.
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 4
3.3. Applicability Table
ADR UNECE
Category Category Manufactured Acceptable
Vehicle Category Code Code on or After Prior Rules
Moped 2 wheels LA L1 1 Jan 2005 Nil
Moped 3 wheels LB L2 1 Jan 2005 Nil
Motor cycle LC L3 1 Jan 2005 Nil
Motor cycle and sidecar LD L4 1 Jan 2005 Nil
Motor tricycle LE L5 1 Jan 2005 Nil
LEM
LEP
LEG
Passenger car MA M1 1 Jan 2005 Nil
Forward-control passenger vehicle MB M1 1 Jan 2005 Nil
Off-road passenger vehicle MC M1 1 Jan 2005 Nil
Light omnibus MD M2
up to 3.5 tonnes ‗GVM’ and up to 12 MD1 1 Jan 2005 Nil
seats
up to 3.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ and more MD2 1 Jan 2005 Nil
than 12 seats
over 3.5 tonnes and up to 4.5 tonnes MD3 1 Jan 2005 Nil
‘GVM’
over 4.5 tonnes and up to 5 tonnes MD4 1 Jan 2005 Nil
‘GVM’
Heavy omnibus ME M3 1 Jan 2005 Nil
Light goods vehicle NA N1 1 Jan 2005 Nil
Medium goods vehicle NB N2
over 3.5 tonnes up to 4.5 tonnes NB1 1 Jan 2005 Nil
‘GVM’
over 4.5 tonnes up to 12 tonnes NB2 1 Jan 2005 Nil
‘GVM’
Heavy goods vehicle NC N3 1 Jan 2005 Nil
Very light trailer TA O1 1 Jan 2005 Nil
Light trailer TB O2 1 Jan 2005 Nil
Medium trailer TC O3 1 Jan 2005 Nil
Heavy trailer TD O4 1 Jan 2005 Nil
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 5
4. DEFINITIONS
4.1. Refer to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and
Vehicle Categories) 2005.
‘Full Power Steering Equipment’ - A steering system in which the
steering forces are provided solely by one or more energy supplies and
where it is not possible to steer the vehicle by the muscular effort of the
driver alone.
5. BONNET LATCHING
5.1. Any movable body panel forward of the windscreen that serves to cover
an engine, luggage, storage or battery compartment must be provided
with a latch system. A panel opening from the front which in any open
position partially or completely obstructs a driver‘s forward view through
the windscreen must be provided with a second latch position on the
latch system or with a second latch system.
6. DIESEL ENGINES
6.1. A locking device must be provided which prevents the engine from being
started by any accidental or inadvertent means.
7. CONTROLS
7.1. Steering System
7.1.1. The centreline of the steering control must not be located to the left of the
centreline of the vehicle.
7.1.2. Failure of any non-mechanical component of the steering system must
not prevent effective steering of the vehicle.
7.1.3. Vehicles with 'full power steering equipment' shall be capable of
providing steering failure and defect visual warning signals to the driver.
7.1.4. Vehicles complying with the technical requirements of UNECE R 79
shall be deemed to comply with Clauses 7.1.2 and 7.1.3.
7.2. Standard Controls for Automatic Transmission
All motor vehicles, except L-group vehicles, equipped with an automatic
transmission must comply with the following requirements:
7.2.1. Starter interlock
The engine starter must be inoperative when the transmission control
lever is in any forward or reverse drive position.
8. REAR BUMPER FOR SEMI-TRAILERS
8.1. Every ‘Semi-trailer’ must be provided with a continuous rear bumper
which must be so constructed and located that:
8.1.1. with the vehicle unladen, the lower edge of the bumper bar across its
width must not be more than 600 mm from the ground;
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 6
8.1.2. the bumper contact surface is located not more than 600 mm forward of
the rear of the vehicle and is painted white;
8.1.3. the ends of the bumper extend to within 300 mm of each side of the
vehicle, unless the rearmost point of the tyres is within 600 mm of the
‘Rear End’ of the vehicle, in which case the tyres must be considered as
meeting the requirements over their width;
8.1.4. the member which is, or directly supports, the bumper contact surface is
of material having no less strength than steel tubing of 100 mm outside
diameter and 8 mm wall thickness; and
8.1.5. the structure supporting the member referred to in clause 8.1.4 can
transmit no less force than that member can sustain, and provides a
continuous force path to vehicle members of a strength consistent with
the forces to be sustained.
8.2. Clause 8.1 does not apply to ‗Semi-trailers’ so constructed that:
8.2.1. cargo access doors, tailgates or other such structures when closed afford
comparable protection; and
8.2.2. a vertical plane tangential to the rearmost surface of the rear tyres is 155
mm or less from a parallel vertical plane containing the ‗Rear End’ of the
‗Semi-trailer’.
9. ELECTRICAL WIRING, CONNECTIONS & INSTALLATIONS
9.1. The wiring of electrical equipment other than the high tension ignition
wiring must:
9.1.1. be supported at intervals of not more than 600 mm, except that this
requirement must not apply in the case of any ‗Pole-type Trailer‘ which
is so constructed that the length of the pole forward of the trailer frame
can be adjusted;
9.1.2. be insulated at joints;
9.1.3. be located in such a position that it cannot become overheated, cannot
contact moving parts, nor constitute a fire hazard owing to its proximity
to the fuel system; and
9.1.4. be protected from chafing. The edge of all holes in metal through which
the wiring passes must be rolled or bushed with a grommet of rubber or
other equivalent insulating material.
9.2. Electrical Connections
9.2.1. Except for motor vehicles over 3.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ and trailers over 3.5
tonnes ‘ATM’, the electrical connectors between motor vehicles and
trailers, for the purpose of operating the prescribed vehicle lighting and
signalling must comply with Australian Standard 2513 – 1982 ―Electrical
Connections for Trailer Vehicles‖. Motor vehicles over 3.5 tonnes
‘GVM’ and trailers over 3.5 tonnes ‘ATM’ may use electrical connectors
complying with International Standards Organisation ISO 1185 – 1997 or
Society of Automotive Engineers SAE J 560 – 1998 standards for
electrical connectors between towing vehicles and trailers as alternative
standards.
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 7
TABLE 1.1 CIRCUITS AND IDENTIFICATION
Contact Circuit Circuit conductor
No. colour
14-pin connector
7-pin connector
1 Left-hand turn Yellow
2 Reversing signal Black
3 Earth return White
4 Right-hand turn Green
5 Service Brakes Blue
6 Stop lamps Red
7 Rear lamps, clearance and side marker lamps Brown
8 Battery charger/electric winch Orange
9 Auxiliaries, etc/battery feed Pink
10 Earth return White
11 Rear fog lamp Grey
12 Spare Violet
Note: Where service brakes are not fitted, contact No. 5 may be used for auxiliaries
9.2.2. Every trailer must be equipped with an electrical conductor independent
of the trailer ‗Coupling’, providing a return path between the electrical
circuits of the trailer and that of the drawing vehicle.
9.3. Electrical installations intended for connection to a power system other
than that of the drawing vehicle must be required to comply with
Australian Standard 3001-1981 ―Electrical Installations in Caravans and
Caravan Parks‖.
10. EXHAUST OUTLETS
10.1. Enclosed LE vehicles, and MA, MB or MC vehicles must meet the
following requirements:
10.1.1. the exhaust outlet must extend at least 40 mm beyond the furthermost
outboard or rearmost joint of the floor pan which is not continuously
welded or permanently sealed which could permit direct access of
exhaust gases to the passenger compartment, but not beyond the
perimeter of the vehicle when viewed in plan;
10.1.2. the exhaust outlet, if to the side of the vehicle, must discharge to the right
hand side of the vehicle and downwards at an angle to the horizontal of
not less than 15 degrees and not more than 45 degrees; and
10.1.3. the exhaust outlet, if to the rear of the vehicle must discharge at not more
than 10 degrees above or 45 degrees below the horizontal.
10.2. Omnibuses (MD and ME Vehicles)
10.2.1. the exhaust outlet must be as near as practicable to the rear of the vehicle;
10.2.2. except in the case of vertical exhaust systems, the exhaust outlet must
discharge rearwards or to the right of the vehicle, either horizontally or at
no more than 45 degrees downwards, and must not extend beyond the
perimeter of the vehicle when viewed in plan; and
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 8
10.2.3. when the exhaust outlet is vertical, it must be located behind the rearmost
portion of the passenger compartment and may discharge either vertically
upwards or rearwards at any angle above the horizontal.
10.3. N-Group Vehicles must meet the following requirements:
10.3.1. the exhaust outlet must be behind the rearmost seating position and at
least 40 mm beyond the furthermost outboard or rearmost joint of the
floorpan which is not continuously welded or permanently sealed, and
must not extend beyond the general perimeter of the vehicle when
viewed in plan. In the case of permanently enclosed vehicles not fitted
with vertical exhaust systems the outlet must extend to the perimeter of
the vehicle when viewed in plan;
10.3.2. the height of the outlet must be either greater than 150 mm above the
maximum height of the cab or less than 750 mm above the ground;
10.3.2.1. for above-cab exhausts, the direction of discharge must not be to the left
of the vehicle and must be above the horizontal ;
10.3.2.2. for other exhausts, the direction of discharge must not be to the left of the
vehicle and must be between the horizontal and 45 degrees downwards;
and
10.3.3. any exposed section of an exhaust system discharging above the cabin
must be shielded to prevent accidental personal contact in areas where
contact can occur during normal operating and servicing conditions.
10.4. Vertical exhaust systems, where fitted, must meet one of the following
requirements:
10.4.1. the orifice must be a horizontal cross-section of the exhaust pipe and
must direct the exhaust gases vertically upwards; OR
10.4.2. the orifice must be a horizontal cross-section of the exhaust pipe and
must be fitted with a rain cap such that in plan view the hinge of the cap
makes an angle of 90 degrees ± 10 degrees with the longitudinal
centreline of the vehicle, with the rain cap operating in a fore-and-aft
direction; OR
10.4.3. the orifice must be angled and orientated so that the principal flow of the
exhaust gases is directed rearwards, within 0o and 45o the longitudinal
centreline of the vehicle.
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 9
Typical Exhaust Outlet Configurations
10.4.1 10.4.2 10.4.3
11. EXTERNAL OR INTERNAL PROTRUSIONS
11.1. No vehicle must be equipped with:
11.1.1. any object or fitting, not technically essential to such vehicle, which
protrudes from any part of the vehicle so that it is likely to increase the
risk of bodily injury to any person;
11.1.2. any object or fitting technically essential to such vehicle unless its
design, construction and conditions and the manner in which it is affixed
to the vehicle are such as to reduce to a minimum the risk of bodily
injury to any person;
11.1.3. any object or fitting which, because it is pointed or has a sharp edge, is
likely to increase the risk of bodily injury to any person; or
11.1.4. any bumper bar the end of which is not turned towards the body of the
vehicle to a sufficient extent to avoid any risk of hooking or grazing.
12. FIELD OF VIEW
12.1. A motor vehicle must not be so constructed or equipped nor must
anything be affixed thereto in such a manner as to prevent the driver from
having an adequate view of traffic on either side of the vehicle and in all
directions in front of the vehicle to enable the vehicle to be driven with
safety.
12.2. No motor vehicle must be so constructed such that the ‗Seating Reference
Points’ of any passenger seating position is more than 100 mm in front of
the driver‘s seating position when both ‘Seats’ are in the rearmost
position of adjustment.
12.3. No motor vehicle must be constructed to provide seating for a passenger
at the right-hand side of the driver.
13. LAVATORY CLOSETS, URINALS, BASINS AND SINKS
13.1. Every vehicle which is equipped with any lavatory basin, closet, urinal or
sink must comply with the following requirements:
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 10
13.1.1. no vehicle must be equipped with a closet or urinal the contents of which
can be discharged directly on the road and, except in the case of a
‗Caravan’, every closet pan or urinal pan must empty into a tank carried
by the vehicle, such tank being efficiently ventilated by means of a pipe
the outlet of which is outside the vehicle;
13.1.2. every tank into which a closet pan or urinal pan empties and, where no
such tank is fitted, every closet and urinal, must contain non-inflammable
and non-irritant chemicals of such character and in such quantity as to
form at all times an efficient deodorant and germicide in respect of the
contents of the tank, closet or urinal as the case may be; and
13.1.3. no lavatory basin or sink must drain into any closet or urinal or into any
tank into which a closet or urinal empties.
13.1.4. The closet or urinal must vent directly to atmosphere.
14. WHEEL GUARDS (MUDGUARDS)
14.1. Wheel Guards for Passenger Cars (MA) Vehicles Only
14.1.1. General Requirements
The vehicle must be provided with wheel guards (parts of the bodywork,
mudguards, etc) which must be so designed as to protect other road
users, as far as practicable, against thrown-up stones, mud, ice, snow and
water and to reduce for those users the dangers due to contact with the
moving wheels.
14.1.2. Special Requirements
14.1.2.1. The wheel guards must meet the following requirements when the wheels
are in the straight ahead position:
14.1.2.1.1. in the part formed by radial planes at an angle of 30 degrees to the front
and 50 degrees to the rear of the centre of the wheel (see Figure 1), the
overall width (q) of the wheel guards must be at least sufficient to cover
the tyre ‗Section Width’ (b) of the tyres fitted to the vehicle taking into
account the extremes of tyre/wheel combination as specified by the
‗Manufacturer’;
14.1.2.1.2. the rear of the wheel guards must not terminate above a horizontal plane
150 mm above the axis of rotation of the wheels (as measured at the
wheel centres) and furthermore the intersection of the edge of the wheel
guard with this plane (point A, Figure 1) must lie outside the median
longitudinal plane of the tyre;
14.1.2.1.3. the contour and location of the wheel guards must be such that they are
as close to the tyre as possible; and in particular within the part formed
by the radial planes referred to in clause 14.1.2.1, they must satisfy the
following requirements:
14.1.2.1.3.1. the projection - situated in the vertical plane of the tyre axis - of the
depth (p) of the outer edge of the wheel guards, measured in the vertical
longitudinal plane passing through the centre of the tyre, must be at least
30 mm. This depth (p) may be reduced progressively to zero at the radial
planes specified in clause 14.1.2.1.1; and
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 11
14.1.2.1.3.2. the distance (c) between the lower edges of the wheel guards and the axis
passing through the centre of the wheels must not exceed 2r, ‗r’ being
the ‗Static Loaded Tyre Radius‘ of the tyre;
14.1.2.1.4. in the case of vehicles having adjustable suspension height, the above
mentioned requirements must be met when the vehicle is in the normal
running position specified by the ‗Manufacturer’;
14.1.2.1.5. the wheel guards may consist of several components, provided that no
gaps exist between or within the individual parts when assembled; and
14.1.2.1.6. the wheel guards must be securely attached. However they may be
detachable either as a unit or in parts.
14.2. Wheel Guards for Vehicles other than MA and L-group Vehicles
14.2.1. General Requirements
All wheels of a motor vehicle or trailer (including a ‗Prime Mover’
capable of operating without a ‗Semi-trailer’) must be provided with
wheel guards which must be so designed as to protect other road users,
as far as practicable, against thrown-up stones, mud, ice, snow and water
and to reduce for those users the dangers due to contact with the moving
wheels.
14.2.2. Special Requirements
The wheel guards on the rearmost wheels on vehicles other than MA and
L-Group vehicles must provide continuous protection between a point in
area A and a point in area B in Figure 2, and must be provided for the
‗Overall Tyre Width’ of all tyres.
14.2.2.1. In the case of steerable wheels, the requirements of clause 14.2.2 must
only apply when the wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
14.2.3. Wheel guards may consist of either permanent body structure or part
structure and other components, including mudflaps, provided the
specified protection is retained during vehicle operation.
14.2.4. Where 2 or more ‗Axles’ form an ‗Axle Group’, separate wheel guards
may be provided for each rear wheel or a single wheel guard may be
provided which provides continuous protection from area ‗A‘ of the
foremost wheel to area ‗B‘ of the rearmost wheel in Figure 2.
14.2.5. Notwithstanding the requirements specified above the wheel guard
including a mudflap (if fitted) need not be less than 230 mm from the
ground for other than off-road vehicles, or 300 mm in the case of
vehicles designed for off-road operation.
14.2.6. The requirements of this part does not apply to any vehicle the
construction or use of which is such that, in the opinion of the
‗Administrator’ it is unnecessary or impracticable to provide a wheel
guard(s).
14.3. Wheel Guards for L-Group Vehicles
14.3.1. Wheel guards may consist of either permanent body structure or part
structure and other components, including mudflaps, provided the
specified protection is retained during vehicle operation.
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 12
14.3.2. General Requirements
The wheels of a vehicle and the wheel of a side-car must be fitted with
wheel guards of width not less than the ‗Section Width‘ of the tyre. The
wheel guards must be so designed as to protect other road users, as far as
practicable, against thrown-up stones, mud, ice, snow and water and to
reduce for those users the dangers due to contact with the moving
wheels.
14.3.3. Special Requirements
14.3.3.1. Rear ‗Axle’ and Side-car
The wheel guard provided for the rear wheel and for the wheel of any
side-car must extend not less than from a point vertically above the
foremost part of the wheel rearward to a point not higher than the
intersection of the arc of the wheel guard with a line through the centre
of the wheel at 45 degrees to a horizontal plane through the centre of the
wheel when a mass of 45 kg is distributed in the saddle of the vehicle at
its ‗Unladen Mass’.
14.3.3.2. Front ‗Axle‘
Where a wheel guard(s) is provided for the front ‘Axle’, it must extend
not less than from a point vertically above the centre of the wheel
rearward to a point not higher than the centre of the wheel or to the point
where suitable protection is afforded by the frame or other construction
of the vehicle when a mass of 45 kg is distributed in the saddle of the
vehicle at its ‗Unladen Mass’.
14.4. Visibility of Wheel Guards (Certain Vehicles)
Except when ‗Rear Marking Plates’ are fitted, for every rear wheel guard
affixed to a motor vehicle, or trailer which is 2.2 m or more in ‗Overall
Width‘ and which has a body of the tray type, that portion of the external
surface of such wheel guard which is visible to the rear of such vehicle
must be white or silver in colour and clearly visible.
15. BRAKE TUBING AND BRAKE HOSE
Flexible hydraulic brake hoses, air or vacuum brake tubing and air and
vacuum hose, flexible and hydraulic power hose between the ‗Brake
Power Unit 31/00‘ or ‗Brake Power Unit 35/00‘ and the master cylinder
or its equivalent must conform to SAA, SAE, BS, JIS, DIN, ISO or ECE
Standards specified for flexible brake hoses, air brake tubing or hose or
vacuum brake tubing or hose or hydraulic power tubing or hose and be
fitted to the vehicle as to prevent chafing, kinking or other mechanical
damage under normal motion of the parts to which they are attached.
16. REVERSE GEAR
All motor vehicles, excepting non-enclosed LE vehicles with an
‘Unladen Mass’ of less than 450 kg and LA; LB; LC; and LD vehicles,
must be capable of being so operated by the driver from the normal
seating position that they may be propelled both forwards or backwards.
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 13
17. SLEEPER BERTHS (NB & NC VEHICLES ONLY)
17.1. Every ‗Sleeper Berth’ must comply with the following requirements:
17.2. Location
It must be located within the cab or immediately adjacent thereto and
must be so constructed that the occupant will not be likely to be thrown
out in the event of sudden deceleration of the vehicle. It must not be
located within the cargo space unless such berth is completely and
securely separated from the remainder of the cargo space. It must not be
located in any trailer.
17.3. Dimensions and Shape
It must be so constructed as to provide, at least, the following internal
dimensions: 1,900 mm long measured on the centreline of the
longitudinal axis, 530 mm wide for 1,200 mm along the required length
and 440 mm wide for the remainder of the required length and 630 mm
deep, of generally rectangular shape, except that the horizontal corners
and the roof corner may be rounded to radii not exceeding 270 mm.
17.3.1. Ready Exit
It must provide the occupant, without the assistance of other persons,
with at least 2 exits at opposite sides of the vehicle, each being at least
450 mm high and 530 mm wide, provided that if the berth space is part
of the cab and has a doorway or opening at least 450 mm in one direction
and 910 mm in another direction between it and the driving seat, the
requirement for 2 exits need not apply.
17.3.2. Communication with Driver
17.3.2.1. Unless it is located within the driver‘s cab or is provided with a direct
entrance thereto means must be provided to enable its occupant to
communicate with the driver.
17.3.3. Such means may include telephones, speaker tubes, buzzers, pull cords,
or other mechanical or electrical means.
17.4. Protection against Exhaust System and ‘Fuel System 17/00’
It must not be so located as to permit the ready entrance of gases from
the exhaust system. It must not be so located as to be overheated or
damaged by reason of its proximity to the exhaust system or so located
that defects in the ‗Fuel System 17/00’ would result in leakage on or into
it.
17.5. Ventilation
It must be provided with louvres or other means of providing proper
ventilation but must be tight against dust and rain.
18. TELEVISION AND VISUAL DISPLAY UNITS
18.1. General
All television receivers or visual display units and their associated
equipment must be securely mounted in a position which:
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 14
18.1.1. does not obscure the driver‘s vision;
18.1.2. does not impede driver or passenger movement in the vehicle; and
18.1.3. is unlikely to increase the risk of occupant injury.
18.2. Restriction on Visibility of Screen
Unless a driver‘s aid, all television receivers or visual display units must
be installed so that no part of the image on the screen is visible to the
driver from the normal driving position.
19. WINDOWS AND VENTILATION
19.1. General Requirements
At least half the number of windows must be capable of being opened or
the vehicle must be provided with an alternative method of ventilation.
19.2. Ventilation
19.2.1. Omnibuses and N-group vehicles must be provided with a means of
ventilation other than by means of windows and door openings.
19.2.2. Except in the case of omnibuses equipped with flow-through ventilation
or refrigerated air-conditioning, the provision of an inlet air vent and at
least two rotary vents or a hatch in the roof towards the rear of the
passenger compartment as a means of ventilation is deemed to meet the
provisions of this clause.
19.3. Power Operated Window Systems
19.3.1. Power operated window systems (for vehicles of category passenger car
(MA); forward-control passenger vehicle (MB); and off-road passenger
vehicle (MC) only)
19.3.1.1. ―Power Operated Windows‖ are windows which are opened and closed
by electric, hydraulic or pneumatic means.
19.3.2. Control of Operating Mechanism
19.3.2.1. Operation of power operated window systems must only be possible
when the key that controls activation of the vehicle‘s engine is in the
―ON‖, ―START‖ or ―ACCESSORY‖ position.
19.3.2.1.1. Exceptions are:
19.3.2.1.1.1. When the ignition switch has been actuated from ―ON‖ to ―OFF‖
position and/or the key has been removed and no front doors on the
vehicle have been opened; or
19.3.2.1.1.2. When the key to lock the driver‘s door is in the door lock; or
19.3.2.1.1.3. Upon activation by a key locking system on the exterior of the vehicle;
or
19.3.2.1.1.4. When the ignition key has been removed the power operated window
system may:
19.3.2.1.1.4.1. remain operational for not more than 45 seconds; and
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 15
19.3.2.1.1.4.2. if the driver‘s window is operated within the 45 seconds period, the
windows can remain operational for an additional period of not more
than 45 seconds, after activation of the driver‘s window switch; and
19.3.2.1.1.4.3. if the driver‘s door is opened within the 45 seconds period, the power
operated window system can remain operational for an additional period
of not more than 45 seconds, after the opening of the driver‘s door.
19.3.2.1.1.5. Remote closing is allowable through continuous operation of a remote
actuation device provided that the remote actuation device must be
incapable of closing the power window from a distance of more than 11
m from the vehicle.
19.3.2.2. For operation of rear window switches which are not situated in close
proximity of the driver, the system must be designed to enable the driver
to:
19.3.2.2.1. turn off the switch(es) of the closing mechanism(s) of the rear
window(s); and
19.3.2.2.2. initiate opening of the rear window(s).
19.3.2.3. Requirement of clause 19.3.2.2.2 assumes that the rear window
switch(es) which are situated out of the driver‘s reach, will not be
operated.
19.3.2.4. Only momentary type switches or valves must be used for operating
mechanisms to close power operated windows except for the driver‘s
door window.
19.3.2.5. The requirements of clause 19.3.2.1 and clause 19.3.2.4 are not
applicable if:
19.3.2.5.1. the closing movement of a power window starts at an opening not
exceeding 4 mm, or
19.3.2.5.2. the closing of a power window of a vehicle‘s door without upper door
frame closes from an opening not exceeding 12 mm whenever the
pertinent door is closed.
19.3.2.6. Notwithstanding clauses 19.3.2.1 and 19.3.2.4, a power operated window
system may close if it is capable of the following requirements:
19.3.2.6.1. while closing, the window reverses direction before exerting a pinch
force of 100N or more within the range of 200 mm to 4 mm beneath the
top edge of the power window frame.
19.3.2.6.2. upon such reversal, the window must open to one of the following
positions:
A position that permits a cylindrical rod 200 mm in diameter to be placed
through the opening at the top edge of the window.
A position that is at least as open as the position at the time closing was
initiated.
A position at least 50 mm more open than the position at the time
reversing was initiated.
19.3.2.6.3. To check these devices, a measuring instrument/test rod is placed through
the window ‘Opening’ from the inside of the vehicle such that the
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 16
cylindrical surface of the rod contacts the structure which forms the
boundary of the window. The force/deflection ratio of the measuring
instrument/test rod must be at least 10 N/mm. Placements of the test rods
are illustrated in Figure 6.
19.3.2.6.4. The technical requirements of FMVSS 118-FR VOL36 No. 232-
02.12.1971- Power Operated Window System; as amended by FMVSS
118-FR VOL58 No. 60-31.03.1998 are deemed to be equivalent to the
technical requirements of clause 18.3 of this national standard.
20. WARNING DEVICES - AUDIBLE
20.1. General
20.1.1. No siren, repeater horn, bell, exhaust whistle or compression whistle or
other device capable of producing a sound resembling that produced by
any such siren, repeater horn, bell or whistle must be attached to a motor
vehicle other than an emergency community service vehicle.
20.1.2. For the purpose of this clause, a repeater horn is any device which
generates an audible sound (to be emitted) alternating between different
tones or frequencies on a regular time cycle.
20.2. Warning Device
Every motor vehicle must be fitted with a least one warning device
capable of giving sufficient audible warning of the presence of the
vehicle. It must give an audible signal having constant amplitude and
frequency characteristics. It may be powered by any energy source
including compressed air.
20.3. Reversing Alarm
Notwithstanding clauses 20.1 and 20.2 a further device may be fitted
which when and only when reverse gear is selected emits an intermittent
audible signal on a regular time cycle. It must not emit a signal louder
than is necessary to warn persons of the proximity of the reversing
vehicle.
20.4. Retractable Axle Alarm
Notwithstanding clauses 20.1 and 20.2 a further device must be fitted to
vehicles equipped with a ‘Retractable Axle’ which emits an audible
signal on the lowering of the ‘Retractable Axle’. It must not be louder
than is necessary to warn persons in the proximity of the ‘Retractable
Axle’.
21. STABILITY REQUIREMENT (LEM, LEP & LEG VEHICLES
ONLY)
21.1. For LEM1, LEP1 & LEG1 vehicles the height of the centre of mass (h)
must not exceed the horizontal distance from the centre of mass to the
nearest roll axis (d) (See Figure 5).
21.2. For LEM2, LEP2 & LEG2 vehicles the height of the centre of mass (h)
must not exceed one and a half times the horizontal distance from the
centre of mass to the nearest roll axis (d) (See Figure 5).
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 17
21.3. Test procedure for determining the vehicle‘s centre of mass
21.3.1. Unless otherwise ‘Approved‘, the location of the vehicle‘s centre of mass
must be determined by the method described below.
21.3.2. Transverse location
21.3.2.1. The transverse location of the centre of mass can be taken to be located
along the vehicle‘s longitudinal centreline.
21.3.3. Longitudinal location (See Figure 3)
21.3.3.1. The longitudinal location (L) of the centre of mass, from the centre line
of the front ‘Axle’, is determined from the formula
L = WR/(F + R)
where:
W is the wheelbase
R is the rear ‘Axle Load’ on the tyre(s) with the vehicle in the
‘Maximum Loaded Test Mass’ condition
F is the front ‘Axle Load‘ on the tyre(s) with the vehicle in the
‘Maximum Loaded Test Mass’ condition
21.3.4. Height Location (See Figure 4)
21.3.4.1. For LEM1, LEP1 & LEG1 vehicles - with the vehicle standing on a level
surface, mark a horizontal line parallel to the vehicle longitudinal
centreline, passing through the centre of the vehicle rear ‘Axle’ - this is
the reference line.
21.3.4.2. For LEM2, LEP2 & LEG2 vehicles - with the vehicle standing on a level
surface, mark a horizontal line parallel to the vehicle longitudinal
centreline, passing through the centre of the vehicle front ‘Axle’ - this is
the reference line.
21.3.4.3. For LEM1, LEP1 & LEG1 vehicles chock both rear wheels.
21.3.4.4. For LEM2, LEP2 & LEG2 vehicles chock both front wheels.
21.3.4.5. For LEM1, LEP1 & LEG1 vehicles raise the front of the vehicle until the
centre of mass is directly over the rear ‗Axle’.
21.3.4.6. For LEM2, LEP2 & LEG2 vehicles raise the rear of the vehicle until the
centre of mass is directly over the front ‗Axle’.
21.3.4.7. Measure the angle between the reference line and the horizontal (See
Figure 4).
21.3.4.8. The height of the centre of mass is given by the formula:
21.3.4.8.1. For LEM1, LEP1 & LEG1 vehicles
h = r +((W - L) / tan ⁪ )
where:
r is the rolling radius of the tyre fitted to the wheel
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 18
21.3.4.8.2. For LEM2, LEP2 & LEG2 vehicles
h = r +(L / tan ⁪ )
where:
r is the rolling radius of the tyre fitted to the wheel
21.3.5. The horizontal distance from the centre of mass to the nearest roll axis
(dimension ―d‖) is calculated from the formula shown below:
21.3.5.1. For LEM1, LEP1 & LEG1 vehicles
d = L sin (arctan (t / 2W))
where:
d is the horizontal distance from the centre of mass to the nearest roll
axis
t is the width of the wheel track of the rear ‘Axle’.
21.3.5.2. For LEM2, LEP2 & LEG2 vehicles
d = (W - L) sin (arctan (t / 2W))
where:
d is the horizontal distance from the centre of mass to the nearest
roll axis
t is the width of the wheel track of the front ‘Axle’.
22. RETRACTABLE AXLE
22.1. Operating Safety
22.1.1. A ‘Control’ may be provided to manually move the ‘Retractable Axle’ up
or down.
22.1.2. Where a manual ‘Control’ for lowering of the ‘Retractable Axle’ is fitted;
22.1.2.1. the ‘Control’ or the enclosure in which it is contained must be lockable,
and
22.1.2.2. the ‘Control’ must be located within 2.5 metres of the centre-line of the
‘Axle Group’ which contains the ‘Retractable Axle’; and
22.1.2.3. the ‘Control’ must not be accessible from within the cab of the vehicle.
22.1.3. the ‘Axle(s)’ must not be able to be moved from the ‘Fully-down’
position while the load on the ‘Axle Group’ is greater than the
‘Prescribed Transition Mass’.
22.2. Tampering and Malfunction
22.2.1. Any system malfunction, attempted tampering or loss of power (e.g.
trailer uncoupling) must result in the ‘Retractable Axle’ moving to or
staying in the ‘Fully-down’ position if the vehicle is loaded.
22.2.2. An audible warning device must be sounded as lowering begins as
required by clause 20.4
22.2.3. The vehicle must be marked on both sides within 2.0 metres of a
transverse vertical plane through the centre-line of the ‘Retractable Axle’
with ―Warning: Axle(s) may raise or lower automatically‖.
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 19
22.2.3.1. This marking must be in letter height of 25 mm minimum with red
coloured letters on a white background and in such a position as to be
clearly visible to a person standing nearby.
23. DEMISTING OF WINDSCREENS
Every motor vehicle having a windscreen must be fitted with a device
capable of removing condensed moisture from the inside of the
windscreen. This requirement does not apply to LA, LB, LC, LD or
LEM vehicle categories or vehicles that do not have provision for a roof.
24. WINDSCREEN WIPERS AND WASHERS
Every motor vehicle having a windscreen must be fitted with a power-
driven windscreen wiping system. This provision does not apply to LA,
LB, LC, LD or unenclosed LEM vehicle categories.
Every motor vehicle having a windscreen wiping system must have a
windscreen washing system that can direct water on to the windscreen
within the area swept by the windscreen wiper.
The device or devices for operating the wipers and washer must be able
to be controlled by the driver in the normal driving position.
25. TYRE AND RIM SELECTION
25.1. Tyres and rims recommended for passenger cars must be listed in the
Tyre and Rim Standards Manual published by either the Tyre and Rim
Association of Australia, the (US) Tire and Rim Association Inc. Year
Book, the Japan Automobile Tire Manufacturers Association Year Book,
the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS-D4202) ―Dimensions of Tires‖
and (JIS-D4218) ―Contours of Rims‖, or the European Tyre and Rim
Technical Organisation (E.T.R.T.O.) Data Book.
25.1.1. The ‘Administrator’ may accept a tyre, ‗Rim‘ or tyre and ‗Rim‘
combination not incorporated in the above publications.
25.1.2. Manufacturers must not fit tyres that require a cold inflation pressure
greater than 825 kPa for radial ply tyres and 700 kPa for other tyres to
achieve the manufacturer‘s rated GVM.
25.2. Performance Requirements
25.2.1. All Vehicles Fitted with the New Light Truck or Truck Tyres
The tyres fitted must comply with the technical requirements of at least
one of the following:
25.2.1.1. Australian Standard 2230-1979: ―New Pneumatic Highway Tyres other
than Passenger Car Tyres‖ or 2230-1990 ―Pneumatic Tyres Light Truck
and Truck/Bus-New‖.
25.2.1.2. (US) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 119 – 1973; FR38-218:
―New Pneumatic Tyres for Vehicles other than Passenger Cars‖.
25.2.1.3. ECE Regulation 54/00 – ―Tyres for Commercial Vehicles‖; or
25.2.1.4. Japanese Industrial Standard JIS D4230-1986 – ―Tires for Automobiles‖.
25.2.2. T-Group Vehicles Fitted with Retreaded Tyres
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 20
Retreaded tyres fitted to T-Group vehicles must comply with the
technical requirements of AS 1973-1993 ―Pneumatic Tyres – Passenger
Car, Light Truck and Truck/Bus – Retreading and Repair Process‖.
25.3. Requirements for L-Group Vehicles
25.3.1. Carcass Construction
All tyres fitted to an ‗Axle‘ must be the same type of ‗Carcass‘
construction, but may vary in respect of ‗Cord‘ materials and number of
‗Plies‘.
25.3.2. Load Capacity
The sum of the load carrying capacities recommended for all tyres and
‗Rims‘ with which the vehicle is equipped must be not less than the
‗GVM‘.
25.3.3. ‗Maximum Load Rating‘ of tyres must comply with those listed for the
tyre size designation in one of the ‗Nominated Standards‘, or the tyre
manufacturer‘s warranted maximum tyre load.
25.4. Tyre Placard
MA, MB, MC, MD, NA, NB1, TA and TB category vehicles, must be
fitted with a tyre placard which, includes at least the following
information: manufacturer‘s recommended tyre size; tyre load rating;
speed rating and cold inflation pressures.
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 21
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 22
Australian Design Rule 42/04 General Safety Requirements 23